In recent times, there has been a marked change in the stance towards women's health in India, with particular emphasis on menstruation and menopause. Yet, many continue to struggle against entrenched taboos surrounding menstruation. This taboo isn’t unique to India but is a global concern that many are striving to address.
Startling statistics reveal that an alarming 23 million girls in India leave school every year due to the lack of adequate menstrual hygiene management facilities.
Upon receiving a project from a renowned brand addressing this issue, it became evident how deeply these societal challenges are embedded. Societies around the world have often made women feel ashamed or silenced when discussing menstruation.
This sentiment, regrettably, has been passed down through the ages, from one generation of women to the next. Overcoming such deeply embedded taboos is no small feat.
The dilemma
During a research initiative (led by the author) that engaged over 300 girls in Maharashtra, an empathy-led methodology was adopted. The questions posed to these girls ranged from basic biological understanding to address misconceptions about menstruation. The primary hurdle faced was the overwhelming fear and shame associated with the topic.
Many times, the only person they could turn to for advice was a friend who might be just as uninformed. This research was pivotal in unveiling the multifaceted issues that needed tackling.
Innovative approach
Designers have a unique capability to adopt a comprehensive view, resonating with the needs of their users. In situations where information was scarce and silence pervasive, insights were often drawn from unexpected sources, like teachers.
The challenge doesn't end at merely breaking the silence. There’s a need to identify patterns and trends within this silence. By extracting pertinent data from daily interactions, tools and prompts can be developed for educators or trusted figures to provide timely information.
Designers need to be sensitive to the cultural undertones linked to menstruation. By acknowledging and addressing these cultural nuances, designers can play a pivotal role in fostering open conversations about menstruation, thus taking steps to dispel age-old myths.
Normalisation is pivotal
Introducing this change doesn't just cater to an existing requirement but actively works towards eradicating the existing stigma around menstruation. While women's health is often perceived as a distant topic, embedding it into daily discussions brings us closer to creating an open dialogue.
The emphasis on developing empathy-driven solutions tailored to menstruation and women's health has been growing. As the world recognises the essential role of service designers, there’s a surge in efforts to create solutions that resonate deeply with human needs.
— The author, Juilee Ingle, is a renowned Service Designer with a background in product and service design at Leo Burnett India, Accenture London, Natwest, and JP Morgan London. The views expressed are personal.
(Edited by : C H Unnikrishnan)
First Published: Oct 31, 2023 10:02 AM IST
